The Black Sea historically served as a major trading route connecting Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia to the Mediterranean world. There is a growing interest in this region from major regional and non-regional actors. In addition to the security dimension, the Black Sea is attracting growing commercial interests. In order to maximize trade opportunities for all parties involved, there is a need for renewed effort to facilitate Black Sea connectivity, in order to manage post-Covid recovery, and achieve significant synergy of resources and markets for years to come. More investment is needed for infrastructure development and harmonization of tariffs and border crossing procedures, with the common aim of increasing competitiveness of the entire transit and transportation system.
The Middle East Institute’s (MEI) Frontier Europe Initiative is pleased to host a panel of experts who will discuss Black Sea Connectivity and its South Caucasus Extension for greater commercial benefits to the wider Black Sea region.
This event coincides with the publication of Frontier Europe Initiative’s latest report, Black Sea Connectivity and the South Caucasus.
Speakers:
Ivo Konstantinov
Commercial counselor and trade attache, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria
Mamuka Tsereteli
Non-resident fellow, Frontier Europe Initiative, MEI
Andrii Tsokol
Associate Director, Infrastructure Europe, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Iulia Joja, moderator
Senior fellow, Frontier Europe Initiative, MEI
Photo by DANIEL MIHAILESCU / Contributor via Getty Images